10-mar-2020
In the previous post, the aim is to acknowledge TV/streaming isn’t doing you much favours. So it is imperative to watch less TV/streaming and devote the time ‘saved’ to better use. However, that is easier said than done, as we are probably addicted and there are constantly new programs vying for your viewing pleasure. To put simply, there are endless (and often good) programs out there and it’s just very hard to say no to.
NB: TV and streaming are essentially interchangeable in today’s world. Streaming is a new form of TV delivery (via internet) instead of the traditional method of over the air electromagnetic signals.
So here are a few insights that yours truly have discovered and offers as a consideration.
A/ TV programs are endless
In fact, there are more contents being produced each day than the 24 hours you have available to watch. That is to say, there is no way that you can watch everything, so you most as well – ‘give up’ on watching everything.
B/ People are making money off you
By watching TV, you are lining up someone else’s pockets, from actors to producers to executives, from media companies to big corporations to governments, everyone gets a cut from your viewing pleasure. A good way to put into perspective is, you are a cow and the TV is the grass that is in front of you, whilst you are eating it, you are being milked.
C/ Everything that is new is old and is new again
If you have watched decades of TV, you will begin to see a pattern, it’s a repeat of existing ideas and concepts. Sure, the latest Batman movies has better special effects than those in the 40s to 60s but it is still drama and entertainment. Reality TV, a recent phenomenon is really a form of semi-scripted drama. Yes, some documentaries will offer new found discoveries and insights but essentially, it’s an endless treadmill of attention capturing, which is best illustrated by the news network and its stories. Remember, your viewing means someone else is getting paid in point B.
D/ Peer (and societal) pressure plays a part
You are born and be made to conform. That’s how society works and functions. However, this trait has been hijacked for someone else’s advantage and to your disadvantage. If you want to fit in, or be cool, you sort of have to watch whatever that is popular right now and then the next day, there is something else and you move onto that too. You can almost argue there is an invisible force compelling you to watch TV.
E/ Is there value in TV?
No doubt that watching TV has some form of value to you. Mostly it’s for entertainment but occasionally it can be educational. Show such as Survivor (yours truly’s favourite reality TV show) offers great insights into the human condition and human to human social interactions. However, the question you have to ask yourself is, what did you actually gain by watching any of the programs.
Now that we have understood what TV is about, we can look at some counters/hacks.
Aa/ Limit to 1-2 hours a day
Yes, by forcing yourself a limit, you’d have to choose more wisely on what you watch. You are also made aware of the time you are wasting. Perhaps one day you might say enough and decide to quite TV all together. In effect, you are actively forcing yourself to choose what is more important in your life.
Bb/ Remind yourself that watching TV is making you poorer – stop the bleed
Most people want to be rich and logic dictates that we wouldn’t do anything that would counter this intent/desire. Yet despite this, we continue to act against our best interest, as we are beholden to our emotions. So every time you turn on and watch something, say this out loud, I am choosing to be poorer. It might not stop you, but eventually the guilt might sink in. To paraphrase Trump – this is a bad deal.
Cc/ Stop looking for the next shiny shiny – acknowledge you are bored and need to find a better distraction
We humans are creatures that requires constant stimulus and excitement, usually at the level we deem controllable and acceptable. TV offers that in abundance and at a low cost. TV is designed to capture our attention and in turn our brains produce some happy chemicals like endorphins and dopamine. In short, our biology is being hijacked against us. So instead, look for some other substitutes/pursuits that is more constructive.
Dd/ It’s ok to be not cool – achieving your other goals are more important
Depending on your age, especially if you are young, being cool can be important. Though you have to ask yourself, what does being cool will achieve for you? We think being cool means people will like us more, or that we are more attractive to potential partners. Superficially yes it does to a point but all it does is to get you a quick moment of attention. After all, if you have no substance, people will lose interest very quickly. To use TV analogy, people will simply click onto another thing to watch. So stop being the ultimate click bait.
Ee/ There is very limited value in TV
Watching TV can give you a needed distraction, feeling of happiness and in control, which can be nice in itself. Essentially, you’ve gained an illusion, a make believe fantasy world where things are ok. We are the ultimate ostrich with heads in the sands, except we do it with screens. So stop fooling yourself and do something else that will actually make an impact, so that your real world experience/life can be better.
Ultimately, it is about learning to prioritise your life, to care less on the trivial and focus only on what’s really important. If you must watch TV/Streaming, then at least be very selective, only watch those programs that will make a notable impact to your life and just ignore the rest. What’s at stake here is the very essence of (your) life itself, you actually don’t have the luxury to waste it away.
Struggle Perpetual 